Michael McHugh

The SDLP man shoots accurately and consistently, accrediting organisation the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) said.

Mr McGlone passed the deer stalking certificate level one course for which candidates must demonstrate a knowledge of deer biology and ecology, firearms and wildlife legislation and game meat hygiene.

He said: “The course is intense, however, I learnt a lot not only about deer management but also about firearms and wildlife law and the wider work that BASC does on behalf of its members.

“Baronscourt Estate is a fantastic venue for the course and I am very much looking forward to my first accompanied stalk under the BASC Baronscourt Deerstalking Scheme.”

Mr McGlone, the SDLP’s economy spokesman, is also a member of the assembly’s Committee for Justice and chairman of the Assembly’s All-Party Group on Country Sports.

BASC Northern Ireland director Tommy Mayne said: “Over the past number of years, Patsy has worked tirelessly at Stormont representing the interests of sporting shooting and we have no doubt that he will put the knowledge gained on the course to good use whilst promoting and defending shooting interests in the Northern Ireland Assembly.”

Mr McGlone has been MLA for Mid Ulster since 2003. He lives in Ballinderry Bridge, Cookstown, and is an honours graduate in Irish studies.